My Portfolio

Hi đź‘‹, I'm Joseph J Helfenbein

I'm a Computer Science and Physics student at The City College of New York, passionate about full-stack development and graphics programming. I specialize in modern web technologies, robust backend systems, and advanced graphics programming techniques to create applications that are both functional and visually compelling. Motivated by curiosity and innovation, I strive to create solutions that make a lasting impact. I'm always eager to learn, grow, and take on new challenges—feel free to reach out!

Work Experience

Software Engineer Intern

E3 Biogenetics
July 2022 - September 2022
  • Developed a daily survey web application using JavaScript and PHP, achieving a user base of 50 daily participants
  • Implemented a robust account system using PHP and MySQL, allowing users to track their responses over time with visualized data trends from phpChart, enhancing user engagement by 40%
  • Enhanced accessibility for 30% of users by implementing a language toggle feature with JSON and JavaScript, enabling seamless language switching, and ensuring a personalized experience through stored preferences
  • Improved backend response speed by 25% through MySQL indexing and memory optimization in session handling
  • Full Stack Projects

    PairGrid

    December 2024 - February 2025

    PairGrid connects developers by similarity to pair program and build together. It matches them using interests, tech stack, and coding goals, and includes real-time chat, voice calls, and screen sharing.

    CUNY One Fraud Agent

    HackKnight 2025 submission
    First Place 🎉

    CUNY One Fraud Agent is an AI-powered fraud detection system that monitors credit card transactions in real-time. When a suspicious transaction is detected, an AI agent calls the user. The agent can list suspicious charges and respond to user commands, allowing them to approve transactions, freeze their card, or request a live representative.

    Guardian Angel

    HackNYU 2025 submission
    2nd Place for Lifestyle & Health 🎉

    Guardian Angel continuously monitors the driver’s face using computer vision to detect signs of distraction or drowsiness. If the driver looks at their phone or closes their eyes for too long, the system sends an alert to help them refocus on the road.

    TravelAmulet

    TiDB Hackathon 2024 submission

    Lets users take a quiz for travel preferences, and then uses TiDB Vector Search to return a list of matching countries, each with an overview and a list of top cities, which have nearby hotels and flight prices.

    MendPath

    DivHacks 2024 submission

    MendPath combines therapy, technology, and social connection in a way that fosters empathy, accountability, and mental health progress for users, filling a crucial gap in both personal well-being and community support.

    Cerebrix

    HackRU 2024 submission
    Honorable Mention for the Neurotech Track

    Cerebrix is an adaptive app for dementia and Alzheimer's care, offering engaging minigames to boost memory and cognition. It features a voice AI companion for social support, while caretakers can manage accounts and track cognitive progress.

    Chama

    HackPrinceton 2024 submission
    Winner for Best Use of Onchainkit 🎉

    Chama empowers everyone to understand crypto by providing real-time insights, sentiment analysis, and personalized explanations. We make complex trends accessible, enabling informed decisions and bridging the crypto literacy gap for all.

    BlazeGuard

    HenHacks 2025 submission

    BlazeGuard is a voice-powered medical assistant that helps users access their stored medical information and provides real-time emergency guidance. Users can talk to the AI agent, which retrieves medical details by name and delivers emergency response instructions using RAG.

    PatSafe

    Hoya Hacks 2025 submission

    PatSafe is a platform that connects discharged patients with doctors for better post-care monitoring. It enables real-time recovery tracking, symptom reporting, and medication adherence updates via a seamless doctor dashboard and an AI-powered chatbot for patient support.

    HelpSignal

    HackHarvard 2024 submission

    An emergency app using voice input to assess situations, alert nearby certified helpers (CPR, first aid), and notify first responders—providing immediate assistance before official help arrives.

    GameRecommend AI

    United Hacks V3 submission
    Winner for Best Solo Hack 🎉

    Utilizes AI to find similar games to any game you like. All you need to do is enter in a game you like, press the button, and the AI will return 5 games it thinks you will like, along with reasons why.